Leading Welsh politician Jane Hutt AM is calling on people in Wales to join her in making the country a ‘credit union nation’.

Speaking after her appointment as Patron of Credit Unions of Wales alongside actor Michael Sheen, Ms Hutt said that credit unions were the ethical choice for all;

“The fact that credit unions offer an ethical and affordable way of saving and borrowing for all of us is key,” she said. “But they are also a way we can contribute to the whole community – including those who are experiencing hardship, debt and poverty. It is universal; we can all take part, we can all benefit and we can all help underpin this ethical borrowing and saving service for those who need it as an alternative to payday loans.”

She added that she would “work tirelessly to support the movement to make Wales a credit union nation.”

Ms Hutt joins existing Credit Unions of Wales Patron, actor Michael Sheen, and the appointment will see the two collaborate to raise awareness and membership of the country’s 18 not-for-profit, community savings and affordable loans providers across Wales.

Leanne Herberg, CEO of Cardiff and Vale Credit Union said: “Jane Hutt has been a long-standing supporter and member of Cardiff and Vale Credit Union and the wider movement across Wales and so we are delighted that she has agreed to take up this patronage.”

The sentiments were echoed by Nicola Field, manager of Bridgend Lifesavers Credit Union who added: “As the longest serving Labour minister in the UK and an outstanding advocate of social justice, Ms Hutt will be a tremendous asset to Credit Unions of Wales and we look forward to working with her.”

Credit Unions of Wales work to improve the financial wellbeing of those in their communities. Well-known for offering a more affordable alternative to high interest lenders, Credit Unions of Wales have forged strong links with more than 140 employers across Wales.

Organisations involved in the Payroll Partner scheme work to improve the financial wellbeing of staff by offering the opportunity to save or repay a loan with a credit union directly from their salary.